How did you learn SQL?

[rogercbryan]

I'm going to give learning SQL on my own a try. I have a great deal of experience with Access and have been told that should be at least a enough to get me started. I'm wondering if anyone else has taught themselves SQL and if you could recommend a few books to me?

This has been one of the main stumbling blocks of my current project. If I can design the SQL db that I need then the rest of my site will fall into place. Any info you all can pass a long would be appreciated.

[Jay Brass]

WTF is SQL? Doesn't that have something to do with website files?

[strategy]

SQL is an easy language and its foundation can be learned within a few days to a week if you've had experience with programming before.

I've found O'Reilly and 'For Dummies' books to be easiest for almost any language. They're fluid, consistent and entertaining although style varies from author to author. They have great examples you can almost immediately implement into your website while learning and the books guide you through the whole process.

Goodluck mate

[rogercbryan]

SQL is an easy language and its foundation can be learned within a few days to a week if you've had experience with programming before.

I've found O'Reilly and 'For Dummies' books to be easiest for almost any language. They're fluid, consistent and entertaining although style varies from author to author. They have great examples you can almost immediately implement into your website while learning and the books guide you through the whole process.

Goodluck mate

I'm a big fan of the "For Dummies" books. I think I've read about six of them in the past. So I'll go out and get that book tomorrow.

Is SQL more related to programming code like php/html or is it more like an Access db? I know a little php/html (I can use FrontPage and MS Expressions) but I know a lot about Access as I created db's in the Marines that tracked field supplies for combat ready units using that.

I'm hoping its more like Access... ???

[Jay Brass]

Ah, now I know. The "For Dummies" series never helps me, but the "For Complete Retards" series did.

[strategy]

I'm a big fan of the "For Dummies" books. I think I've read about six of them in the past. So I'll go out and get that book tomorrow.

Is SQL more related to programming code like php/html or is it more like an Access db? I know a little php/html (I can use FrontPage and MS Expressions) but I know a lot about Access as I created db's in the Marines that tracked field supplies for combat ready units using that.

I'm hoping its more like Access... ???

It's a bit of a both, here's an example so you can judge for yourself.

CREATE TABLE `typical quiz` (
`id` mediumint(8) NOT NULL auto_increment,
`questions` varchar(255) NOT NULL default '',
`answers` varchar(255) NOT NULL default '',
PRIMARY KEY (`id`),
UNIQUE(`questions`)
) ENGINE=MyISAM DEFAULT CHARSET=utf8 ;

You see how it's similar very similar to both creating values in Access and typical programming/coding?

edit:
Forgot to give details. The code I wrote would create a new table called 'typical quiz' with three data fields. 'ID' is a hidden data type and mandatory just like in access which increments with each new input. Questions & Answers are the fields I'd edit and where the server will retrieve the data to display my quiz. I've highlighted the permissions and a some other stuf' so you can make sense of it.

[rogercbryan]

It's a bit of a both, here's an example so you can judge for yourself.



You see how it's similar very similar to both creating values in Access and typical programming/coding?

Great examples... I was wondering if there is master table of fields like in Access... whereby you would pull field values for development of the code as it is used throughout a site.

[zharlene]

I've tried "For Dummies" books but I don't like them much because they only teach you stuff you can get for free on the internet and nothing more.

I've been trying to learn SQL as well, but through open source scripts because I find that way easier. Doesn't seem like there's much to it, esp. because I'm seeing the same pattern of code over and over again.

Happy learning!

[JLeezer]

I had most of my SQL experience back when I was in school. I took a database analysis course that wasn't language specific, so we were free to use whatever we were comfortable using to do projects on. Well, without the budget for Access, I used MySQL. It definitely helped that I had a grasp on database design principles, as the coding end of building a database is generally much easier than the design end is. Be sure to get at least a little bit of an understanding of the normal forms if you plan on making any databases that will hold a significant amount of data. Check out mysql's site. Their manual is great for syntax. You may want to investigate Ruby on Rails (RoR) before spending too much time learning SQL. RoR is becoming a real player in online development due to its speed and simplicity.

[allysa]

I learn SQL back in college when we are using VB 6 & .net, today, it really helps me a lot on my work. For online reference, w3schools.com is what I recommend. Good luck!

[jeremy]

I learnt sql during my diploma and degree days. I don't really like the 'For dummies' books cause they are pretty long winded. I would recommend the In Easy Steps series of books - In Easy Steps: Programming

It's very easy to understand and is a good start to learning SQL. Afterwhich you can probably get a more detailed SQL book to use as a reference. Good luck!

[Fadzuli]

Hi,

I've really never bought books for this. Everything you need can be found on the net. Start with W3Schools Online Web Tutorials

[rogercbryan]

SQL Tutorial

Wow... thanks this is what I was looking for!